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Notes: Reds' rotation battle yet to narrow

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Robert Stephenson (55) delivers a pitch in the top of the third inning of the MLB Spring Training game between the San Francisco Giants and the Cincinnati Reds at Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear, Ariz., on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017.(Photo: Sam Greene)

GOODYEAR, Ariz. – When spring training began, Cincinnati Reds manager Bryan Price said he’d likely be pulling from a group of five pitchers to fill the final two spots in his rotation. Almost a month into camp, that competition hasn’t narrowed.

If anything, it’s expanded. Leading the pack is still the quintet of Cody Reed, Amir Garrett, Robert Stephenson, Tim Adleman and Lisalverto Bonilla, despite Bonilla pitching an inning of late-game relief on Tuesday. But Price has also been impressed with right-handers Rookie Davis, Sal Romano and Luis Castillo.

“It just depends on the need and the feeling we have about the group we have,” Price said. “You always have to keep an eye on what’s best for the development of the player. For guys who have pitched almost exclusively in Double-A, there would have to be certain dynamics that lend themselves to those guys leapfrogging over some of those guys. However, if they don’t make the club, they are certainly making it well known that they are close to being ready.”

Shoulder updates

Second baseman Dilson Herrera and right-hander Nick Travieso are both working back from shoulder ailments, but there’s no hard timetable for either to complete a throwing program and return to full duty. Travieso, who had a cortisone shot to inflammation last week, is still working through his long toss progression. Herrera has been able to hit in games but has yet to play the field.

Travieso is almost certainly ticketed for extended spring training given how long it takes for a starting pitcher to prepare for the season, but Herrera still has some time to find his way on the field with three weeks remaining in spring. Price anticipates the young infielder will make his debut at second well before that, but there will be a point where his roster chances will be affected.

“If two more weeks go by and he’s not in games, that’s not a lot of time to evaluate,” Price said.

Walker arrives

Wednesday offered a little déjà vu for Christian Walker. For the second time in two weeks, Walker made his way around the clubhouse, shaking hands and introducing himself.

The Reds claimed Walker off waivers from the Atlanta Brave two days ago, almost two weeks after the Braves had claimed him from the Baltimore Orioles.

“It’s been hectic for sure,” Walker said. “It definitely feels good to be here.”

The 25-year-old Walker joins a crowded competition for a spot on Cincinnati’s bench. He’s played mostly first but spent time learning left field last year. Known for his power when he first entered pro ball, he’s had middling offensive results the last two seasons.

“I feel like there’s always an opportunity,” Walker said. “You have to approach it that way. I’m going to come out and not change anything about how I play or anything about myself. Hopefully, there’s a spot for me.”